"What's going on right now is just totally off line, don't go around and kill the people that are here to protect you," said Gisela Riggs, a Cape Coral resident.

After officers in New York and in Florida were killed in the line of duty earlier this month - and after violent protests followed the Eric Garner and Michael Brown cases - Cape residents and members of city council wanted to show their support for the people who risk their lives to protect the city.

"We have a terrific police department - and we like to let them know from us to them they're doing a great job and they are in fact appreciated," said John Carioscia, of the Cape Coral City Council.

Police say in addition to this rally, they've received calls, Facebook messages, and letters in recent weeks that have boosted the morale of the department during a difficult time.

"That shows that we have so many people who are willing to take a minute out of their day and just say thank you for a job well done," said Sgt. Dana Coston of the Cape Coral Police Department.

The group is planning another rally in the same place next week to make sure the police and public don't forget the support for them that's out there.